Method for forming decorative plastic material



Nov. 28, 1933. J. H. HQOTON METHOD FOR FORMING DECORATJ IVE PLASTIC MATERIAL Filed Nov. 8, 1952 (Ittornegs.

Patented Nov. 28, 1933 METHOD FOR FORMING DECORATIVE PLASTIC MATERIAL Joseph H. Hooton, Englewood, N. J., assignor to Nixon Nitration Works, Nixon, N. I.,'a corporation of New Jersey Application November 8, 1982 Syria! No. 041,797

2 Claims.'

The present invention relates to improvements in methods of making decorative material, and more particularly relates to the amalgamating of thin sheets of iridescent shells, known as pearl shells, with pyroxylin or other material in which a new and extremely pleasing effect is produced.

It is an object of the invention to achieve a new and pleasing eflect in composite pyroxylin and pearl decorative material.

It is within the contemplation of the invention that flat slabs of pearl lamina be placedbetween all celluloid material, thus sandwiching the pearl lamina between the celluloid so that it shows through, the celluloid being caused to stick together. I a

- It is also an object of the invention to cover the putting of pearl slabs or any other kind of decorative pieces between celluloid or any other transrmrent plastic material, especially cellulose acetate.

A still further object of the invention is to provide for the fracturing of the pearl shells between the celluloid or other sheets whereby to secure gem eflects, although this fracturing is notnecessary.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention will be more fully described hereinafter, and will be more particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto.

In the drawing, wherein like symbols refer to like or corresponding parts throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of two separated sheets of celluloid or other material having pearl shells distributed therebetween.

Figure 2 is an edge view of the same with the celluloid sheets brought together upon the pearl pieces.

Figure 3 is-a perspective view of the sheets shown as combined, and

Figure 4 shows the completed commercial article in a cylindrical form.

Referring more particularly to the drawing 5 and 6 represent two sheets of pyroxylin or other material, such for instance as pyroxylin, plastic or celluloid. One or both of these sheets is transparent or translucent as desired to permit the showing therethrough of the pearl shells indicated at 7. These iridescent pearl shells 7 are in thin sheets. In other words they are other shell are bound in the sheets and thereby give inch thick, and in about ya inch squares, and such pieces of iridescent pearl shell will advantageously be first smoothed on both surfaces to a semi or highly polished degree.

However, I prefer to use them in a semipolished state. While I prefer to use the pieces '7 in' round, square or oval form, such pieces '1 of iridescent pearl shell maybe used in round. square, oval, diamond or any other geometrical or fancy shape.

The sheets 5 and 6 are broughttogether and then cemented, welded or otherwise secured together, the pearl shell or other pieces being held gem effects. These gem effects will also be to a certain extent had in the flat work where the fracturing of the pearl is not had. I

As shown in Figure 4 where fracturing is used the final article is characterized by longitudinal or other lines of fracture indicated at 8, to opposite sides of which the fractured particles are displaced from the original common plane, in which they all lay to separate planes intersecting one another at small angles along the line of the fracture 8.- To the final structure is therefore communicated a many faceted construction similar to diamonds and other gems.

This many faceted construction of the iridescent pearl shells increases manifold the pleasing effect of the pearl, and without further expense in, manufacture or cost of materials, enhances the appearance of the commercial article and makes the article many times more valuable.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made in the details of construction and design of the above specifically described embodiment of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof, such changes and modifications being restricted only by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:-

1. The herein described method for producing gem eflects in decorative material, which con- 1 long and wide pieces of iridescent pearl shell, then subjecting the sheets to heat and pressure to unite the sheets and fracture the pearl pieces, the particles 01' the pieces being displaced permanently out of line to give a many faceted construction.

JOSEPH H, HOOTON.- 

